ICAR treasures PM Modi releasing 109 crop varieties
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 11 2024: A webcasting programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi releasing 109 Crop Varieties at NASC Complex, New Delhi, was organised by ICAR, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, on Sunday.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, ICAR, Manipur head Ramgopal Laha pointed out that releasing a crop variety is no small feat, as it requires significant time and effort.

The 109 varieties include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops, among others, marking a significant milestone for ICAR.

Highlighting that at the time of India's independence, the population was 33 crore, which has now grown to 140 crore, subsequently resulting in rapid deforestation and shrinking of prime agricultural lands due to expansion of human settlement areas, Ramgopal explained that development of high-yielding crops has become inevitable to support to the burgeoning population.

ICAR Manipur Centre has successfully developed several high-yielding varieties of rice, mushroom and brinjal among others, said the centre's head and urged scientists to consider ways to have crops developed by the ICAR Manipur Centre introduced by PM Modi, similar to the release of the 109 crop varieties.

He also reaffirmed ICAR's commitment to welfare of the farming community.

ICAR Manipur Centre senior scientist Dr Kh Rishikanta and KVK, Imphal West head Dr LKanta also attended the programme during which agricultural inputs were distributed to the farmers.

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